The Washington critic., 1887-12-14
UNDER A CLOUD.

II was u cold dark night in February.
The snow had been lying on the house,
tops fora fortnight. The trees in the
squares seemed like frosted skeletons.
Everywhere overhead the snow was
still white and pure. Underfoot was II
damp, cold, slushy mixture OF Ice and
mud, such MS London only can produce.
Frank Denton, however, felt none Of
these things. AT iive-and-twonty one
enjoys walk undeterred by fears of
cold and rheumatism; indeed the driv-
ing rain, or gently falling snow gives
zest when one is young, well-fed, we'll
clothed. and blessed with the knowledge
that the struggle with the elements can
be ended ut pleasure.
For the last two years, having had the
misfortune to lose his mother, Frank
had been living in London, and had
passed most of his evenings in the COM
pany of his books. He was out this
evening, after couple of hours study
and had been walking briskly along for
some time. For the last few minutes
he had been vaguely aware of female
form fitting along in front of him, and
was conscious that whilst one-half of
his brain had been busy building castles
i'll the air the other half had been as
busy admiring the pretty figure in front
Of him.
just as Frank was about to pass her,
she seized him by the arm and forced
him rudely back two or three PAGES,
and, before he could recover himself,
there was u mufiled sound of rushing
hoofs and rattling of harness, a horse and
trap dashed. madly over the spot where
he would have been, and in another
moment the vehicle was caught against
the lamp-post at the corner and smashed
to pieces. In u minute the solitary
street had a decent-sized crowd in it.
1t is marvellous characteristic of Lon
don that no sooner does the most trifling
incident occur than crowd seems to
grow up ut once.
Frank, however, took little notice of
the crowd. He was too much occupied
with his fair preserver, who, the danger
past, had tainted, and would have fallen
but for his promptness in upholding her
In two or three minutes the cool night
air revived her, and they walked on to-
gether till they found themselves in one
OF London'B broad and busy streets.
Here she would have wished him good
night, but he insisted on accompanying
her u little farther, to which, after a
faint resistance, she agreed.
He learned that she was employed at
. fashionable millincr's establishment
at the West End, and that she was max
ing her way to her home near Islington.
In spite of her humble position there
was tone of refinement about her, and
his quick ear told him that her speech
was that of well-educated person. Her
face was that of q charming girl, and
her figure was in keeping with her face.
Too soon the walk came to an end,
and Frank had to say goodnight and
once more thank his fair preserver for
the service rendered him.
All the next day her face kept ap-
pearing on the ledger, and, perhaps, it
was not SO very remarkable that soon
after Mary Emerton had left Nine.
Michaud's she met Frank. She could
not refuse to acknowledge his saluta-
ton, indeed she had little wish to do so,
for his bright face and winning manner
had made great impression.
Many an evening did these young
people meet. Ii Mary did not ut once
inform her parents of this new friend
ship it was more out of shyness than
for any other reason.
Time went on. Frank was anxious to
have II home of his own, and felt that
his position justified one of his humble
tastes in giving hostages to fortune"
One Saturday evening Mary was busy
in making preparations for tea of SO
sumptuous nature in that humble
home that it was evident company
was expected. She went about the lit
tic room gaily singing, her eyes bright,
her face lit up with joyful expectation.
And this was the cause. Her story had
been confided to her mother, by whom
it had been, somewhat hesitatngly,
communicated to the father, who had
received ii more graciously than had
been expected Mr.. Emerton had at
once admitted that Frank should be in
vited to visit them.
n knock ut the door. Mary ran to
open it, and, after n longer time than
might have been absolutely necessary,
ushered into the parlor "Mr. Frank
Denton"
Now did the anxious Frank make the
most strenuous exertions to please the
old people, and there is no doubt he
succeeded. STILL MIR. Emerton's face
was clouded during the repast, us though
there were some great care or anxiety
Frank lost no time in coming to the
great question he had upon his mind,
and, after explaining his parentage, po-
sitiop and future prospects, he, holding
out his hands to father and mother,
askVl them to entrust their daughter to
his care.
Mr.. Emerton arose and walked few
times up and down the room; then re-
suming his seat, he said;
Mr., Denton, thank You for the
straightforward manner in which You
have dealt with us, and welcome the
thought of having such protector for
my dear girl. am getting old, and her
future has often given me much anxiety.
am poor, and If you take her rs your
wife you must take her for herself alone
This you know, but ! have something
far more important TO say, and, until
you have heard it, must consider that
your offer has not been made. There is
cloud resting upon my name and life
which has caused me for years to hold
my>els aloof from all acquaintanceship
or y riehdship-has obliged me to earn IL
poo, livelihood by hard and incessant
labof, and has condemned my girl to
dali toll.
Fifteen years ago held good posi-
tion IN city house. One day there had
beer a great rush of business, and during
the forming one of the partners handed
me eger fS00 in bank notes that | was
to ps y into the bank later in the day, l
al ..a Il.